'Lady in the fridge': Detective shares relief as 1995 murder victim identified as Amanda Deza
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: After almost three decades, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office has finally cracked the identity of the "Lady in the Refrigerator." Over 27 years ago, a refrigerator with a tied-up body of a woman inside was found in a canal. Her hands were taped together, and her mouth was stuffed with a sock.
Sheriff of San Joaquin County Patrick Withrow stated, "Her name is Amanda Lynn Schumann Deza." Retired San Joaquin County Detective John Huber has waited 27 years for news about the cold case. He said, "I was very happy. I was hoping she'd be identified and potentially be solved before I died," he said.
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'I can remember exactly what she had on'
Huber was still aware of the specifics when he spoke with CBS13 in 2015, and they have remained crystal clear in his memory all these years later. He said, "I can remember exactly what she had on...exactly what the sizes were." Huber claims that he feels a great sense of relief knowing that Amanda's children now understand that their mother did not merely abandon them. The district attorney expresses excitement about bringing charges against and convicting Deza's killer, as reported by CBS.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said, "I look forward to prosecuting the fullest extent of the law, the coward that committed this heinous act and the individual who decided to take this lady's life and take her away from her family." Along with her mother, sister, and daughter, Amanda had connections to the Napa and Oakley regions and the Delta.
How was Deza identified?
After 27 years, detectives identified the victim using DNA analysis and family history research. Withrow appealed to the public for assistance in locating a suspect in the case, which the sheriff's office still seeks. The remains were found in March 1995 in an irrigation ditch in the town of Holt, San Joaquin County, wrapped in a sleeping bag in a refrigerator, as reported by CBS.
Deza was decked out in jewelry, hiking boots, and socks. Authorities think she suffered a blunt head injury and died at least six months before she was discovered. The person who abducted her and killed her is still wanted, as reported by KCRA.
Anyone with information about Deza's death or potential details surrounding her murder is urged to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office at (209) 468-5087 or email coldcase@sjgov.org.